A Mom, a Teacher, a Guide:
Helping Teens Prepare for College & Beyond
Like many parents, I found myself navigating the overwhelming world of college readiness when my own kids were in high school. There were deadlines, essays, and so many questions—but I often felt like I was trying to figure it out on my own. I wanted to give my kids every advantage, but I realized there weren’t enough clear resources to help teens truly stand out in the admissions process.
At the same time, I had just started teaching high school English, and I saw how many students were struggling—not just with academics, but with presenting themselves in a way that captured their unique potential. Many of them were good students but weren’t developing the skills that colleges (and the workforce) are really looking for: leadership, creativity, communication, and confidence.
This experience inspired me to dive deeper into college and career readiness, combining my perspective as a parent and a teacher to help students navigate a system that often feels confusing and overwhelming.
What I’ve Learned
Through research, teaching, and working directly with students, I’ve discovered some key truths about what really matters in preparing teens for college and beyond:
1. Soft Skills Matter: Good grades and test scores are important, but colleges and employers value skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
2. The Old Rules Don’t Work: What stood out in the 90s—titles like “Student Council President” or generic volunteer hours—no longer make the impression it once did. Colleges are looking for depth, passion, and real-world impact.
3. Every Student Is Unique: Teens don’t have to do everything—they just need to know the right areas that align with who they are and what they care about.
4. Lifelong Learning Is the Goal: The world is changing fast, and the most important skill teens can learn is how to learn.
Why I’m Sharing This
I want to give parents and students the tools I wish I’d had when I was navigating this process with my own kids. As a teacher, I’ve also seen how much pressure teens face to succeed in a system that doesn’t always prepare them for the future. My goal is to bridge that gap by sharing insights, strategies, and research to help families feel confident and empowered.
What You’ll Find Here
This space is for parents, educators, and students who want to:
• Understand what colleges are really looking for.
• Learn how to stand out with authenticity and purpose.
• Prepare for success not just in college, but in life.
Whether it’s through insights from my classroom, research on college and career readiness, or lessons learned as a mom, I’m here to share what I’ve found—and I hope it helps you on your journey.
Let’s Connect
I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or experiences as you navigate this process. Let’s figure it out together!